Western Cape College of Nursing

The nursing profession focuses on delivering safe and quality healthcare and putting the needs of the patient first. Over the years nursing has grown in terms of the areas of healthcare which it covers. Nursing isn’t just a career but a passion and a calling.

The Western Cape College of Nursing invites all interested students to apply before 30 August 2019.

The work nurses do

Nursing professionals are responsible for a number of duties which may include:

  • performing physical examinations on patients,
  • promoting health education and counselling,
  • analysing patient health history and electronic graphics on monitoring equipment,
  • administering injections, caring for wounds and performing personal patient interventions,
  • interpretation of patient information and issuing medication,
  • performing administrative duties working in collaboration with other health professionals such as doctors, and
  • monitoring healthcare trends and contribute to improved practices. 

​Career options for nurses

There are a number of options available to nurses as healthcare is often required in facilities other than hospitals and clinics, these may include:

  • schools and universities,
  • correctional facilities,
  • sporting events,
  • corporate companies,
  • shopping malls,
  • shelters for homeless persons, and
  • war zone camps and at sea.

You need to be qualified to practice nursing

In order for you to become a qualified nurse you’ll need to study at an accredited institution of higher learning. Nursing qualifications vary between institutions. You will also need to ensure the qualification and the institution where you’re studying at is accredited by South African Nursing Council (SANC).

A qualification in nursing offers you endless possibilities, from working in the local health sector, hospital, clinics, non-governmental organisations, or taking up opportunities abroad. 

Nursing is a 4-year full time course. During your studies you’ll gain an integrated learning and work experience at hospitals and various clinical facilities.

Where can I study nursing in the Western Cape?

The course is available at any one of these campuses:

  • Metro West Campus (Athlone)
  • Boland/Overberg Campus (Worcester)
  • South Cape/Karoo Campus (George)
  • Metro East Campus (Stikland)

If you’re interested in applying at the Western Cape College of Nursing, make sure you meet the minimum admission requirements.

What you’ll need

To pursue nursing make sure you have the necessary tertiary qualifications:

Matriculants from 2008 (compulsory subjects) and minimum rating scale:

  • First Additional language: English code 4.
  • Home Language code 4.
  • Mathematics code 3 or Mathematical Literacy code 4.
  • Life Science code 4.
  • A minimum total score of 28.

Minimum matriculation endorsement/Diploma Matriculants (Prior 2008)

  • Biology HG: E or SG: D.
  • English HG: E or SG: D.
  • Mathematics HG: E or SG: D.
  • Or Minimum total score of 28.

How to apply 

To apply visit anyone of these campuses, or download the application form to find out more about the course.

Where can I get financial assistance for my studies?

Although funding is available, the Western Cape Collage of Nursing can’t guarantee that your application will be successful and urge prospective students to make provision to pay for application, registration, course fees and / or residential fees.

There are various sponsorships available, including some from the private sector. The Western Cape Department of Health offers a limited number of bursaries for full-time study each year. You can access more information on the Western Cape Government Health Bursaries page.